Forget the #beaulievers, forget gauging the success of cultural progress on the availability of fancy craft beer (although a perfectly reasonable indicator if you ask me) forget your friend's arguments saying that there are more artist and creativity than ever existed before, because they know "at least like, what, 50?" The rhetoric is that Beaumont is different somehow, better. And those that see it shout it from the rooftops, wearing away their voice for the sake of a few open minded individuals walking amongst apathetic ears. Let's look at some statistical facts that indicate in numbers what they have only expressed to you in emotions before I whip out the story that's going to blow your mind.Beaumont is ready for change and is taking steps toward it in very big and uncharacteristic ways.
"Without change there is no innovation, creativity, or incentive for
improvement. Those who initiate change will have a better opportunity to
manage the change that is inevitable." -William Pollard
Fact one.
The powers-that-be are open to change, more than ever before. And they have gone out of their way to lend an ear to those that have suggestions. One such group that the city of Beaumont has opened its doors and hearts to is Young Creatives for Downtown Revitalization. What a mouthful. YCFDR was established in late 2012 by Larena Head and Grace Mathis of Cat5 notoriety. They serve as an independent advisory to Beaumont Mainstreet that keeps them aware of the needs of a growing age demographic, 25-39 year old tax payers. There has indeed been a spike in this important money-spending and market swaying group of young and very demanding consumers. Take a look at this great little chart I found at the southeast Texas regional planning commission.
In the course of 10 years, we see almost a doubled population of the technology generation.
Why is this? I thought Baby boomers were the biggest generation?
Well my friend. Think multiplication. If five people have two kids each, what do you get? A bigger number!!!! Beaumont city officials are acknowledging it. Our entertainment venues are acknowledging it. Beaumont Mainstreet is acknowledge it.
But what about money, the economy?
Glad you asked.
Fact two.
The economy is getting better too! The same study by the U.S. Census also references an improvement in the financial situation of our citizens. You can see a clear increase in annual income and can argue against progress by citing standard of living, changing tax laws, and inflation, but numbers like per capita income and the poverty line show clear improvements.
As you can see, Beaumont in particular has seen an incredible upswing in the financial situations of it's citizens. With households bringing in more money, and an admittedly steady hold in percentage of citizens living in poverty.
Oh but we are still dirt poor, look at that, 22.1% are in poverty!
Well my friend, open your eyes. The same study found your beloved Austin at a comparable 23.6%
Fact three.
Beaumont is ready to put big bucks behind change. While browsing the web the other day for photos of riverfront park, I found the most amazing image by the Goodman Corporation. It was an illustration that they had provided within their portfolio showcasing their most successful projects which included contributions to Kemah Boardwalk planning, Much of Galveston Island's alternative transportation system, and many of Houston's most successful city development projects.You can see the project outline that was pitched to the city below.
Think it will never happen? Think again.
Time will tell if the city which amenities and features the city has agreed upon. Talk of removing unused railroad tracks, building new roads into the river park, installing a fountain, and preparing land for retail and hotel stuctures are just a few of the items proposed. And with the new riverside market, a state-of-the-art playground, perpetually booked event center, skate park, museum district, and nighlife hub all located within a few city blocks, we could be seeing some incredible activity in that city zone as increased pedestrian traffic draws the attention of franchised food chains, retailers, and hotelers.
A google search for matching images or the subject "Beaumont River Market" returned no results. To my knowledge, I am the first public citizen to have stumbled across this treasured information. I expect that the Beaumont citizens will be reading it in the news within coming weeks and reporters with access to public records and private interviews and allotted research time will be able to deliver a much more detailed and thorough story than I.
A google search for matching images or the subject "Beaumont River Market" returned no results. To my knowledge, I am the first public citizen to have stumbled across this treasured information. I expect that the Beaumont citizens will be reading it in the news within coming weeks and reporters with access to public records and private interviews and allotted research time will be able to deliver a much more detailed and thorough story than I.
For now, I'm just the little birdy who told you.
Dreams for the future,
Betty
Very interesting. You sound like a sociology major with those statistics and explanations ;)
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